Whether you own a cozy home or a bustling business property, chances are you’ve fallen in love with the classic southwestern charm of stucco exteriors. This cement-based siding, crafted from a blend of cement, sand, and water, provides a textured elegance to various surfaces like concrete, brick, and wood. Stucco is not just aesthetically pleasing but also packed with benefits, including cost-effectiveness, ease of application, paintability, durability, low maintenance, fire resistance, and resilience against extreme weathers.
But like all good things, stucco requires some TLC to stay in tip-top shape. Here are seven straightforward tips to help you keep your stucco exterior looking fabulous for years to come:
1. Stay Vigilant for Cracks and Peeling Paint
Repeated repainting that leads to peeling paint might be a sign of deeper issues with your stucco. It could indicate inadequate preparation or lurking moisture damage. To prevent further peeling, you must identify and resolve the underlying problem immediately.
2. Embrace Year-Round Inspections
While stucco is known for its durability, it’s wise to inspect it throughout the year. As temperatures fluctuate, stucco walls can expand and contract, potentially causing even minor cracks to widen. A tiny crack on a sweltering day could turn into a more substantial problem when temperatures drop.
3. Address Cracks and Holes Promptly
Small cracks are often the result of temperature fluctuations, while holes typically occur due to impacts. You can handle minor cracks and holes with high-quality waterproof and paintable acrylic caulk. However, larger repairs are best left to stucco repair professionals who have the expertise and tools to tackle these issues effectively.
4. Ensure Proper Painting Techniques
To prevent premature paint failure, painters must adhere to manufacturer guidelines regarding temperature and humidity ranges. Painting stucco requires specific knowledge and equipment to achieve the best results. Hiring experienced painters is crucial for a long-lasting finish.
5. Select the Right Products
Stucco has a greater tendency to absorb water and moisture compared to other surfaces. To extend its life, invest in top-notch waterproofing primer and paint. Acrylic latex paints are an excellent choice for stucco, offering exceptional coverage and color retention.
6. Keep It Clean and Pristine
To prevent dirt buildup, make it a habit to clean your stucco at least twice a year. However, before cleaning, ensure that any existing cracks, chips, or holes have been adequately repaired to prevent water infiltration. Use a garden hose with a sprayer attachment to remove dirt and debris. Power washing is best left to professionals, as improper use can harm your stucco.
7. Divert Water Away from Your Stucco Walls
Over time, water from sprinkler systems or leaky gutters can cause staining on your stucco walls and promote the growth of mildew, mold, or efflorescence (a white powdery substance). Carefully inspect areas around your property, especially those near plants, flowers, or trees. Thoroughly clean any areas affected by mildew, mold, or efflorescence.
Why It Matters
By following these seven practical tips, you can ensure your stucco maintains its allure and durability for years. When the time comes for repairs or a fresh coat of paint, entrust the job to professionals well-versed in handling stucco surfaces.
Since 1985, CMB East Brunswick Stucco & EIFS has been a leading presence in the Tri-State area, pecializing in professional installation, restoration, and repair of various exterior wall systems available today, and have cultivated and sustained strong partnerships with homeowners, business proprietors, contractors, builders/developers, and architects, proving our reliability over time.
Our portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, from towering high-rises in Manhattan and charming brownstones in Hoboken to multifamily residences in Jersey City, and expansive commercial warehouses in Bayonne. We’ve also had the privilege of working on some of the most prestigious residential estates throughout New Jersey and New York. No project is too large or too modest for us to handle.
While we take pride in our involvement in major projects, we are also equally proficient in the meticulous restoration, repair, and maintenance of all wall systems, with a particular focus on EIFS.
Allow us to assist you in navigating the process of selecting the most suitable system and options for your property. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to meet and collaborate with you!
